Narivalaya Dakshin Uttar Gola, Jantar Mantar (Observatory), Varansi
The journey to Varanasi is always a memorable one, and a pleasant experience is a precious treasure for me and my family.
Varanasi, also known as Banaras, has been the center of Hindu religious beliefs since ancient times, situated on the banks of river Ganges. It is a world-famous city located in the Uttar Pradesh of India.
Jantar Mantar is one such wonderful center of attraction and scientific heritage which was built by King Sawai Jai Singh II, of Amber in about 1737 AD, to understand the constellations and various astronomical events on the roof of the Maan Mahal, on the river front of Ganges river, which is situated near the Dashashwamedha Ghat.
Raja Jai Singh II, was a scholar of astronomy and celestial calculations and was extremely interested in the Astronomy and Astrology. As a result, he sent his Astronomical & Astrological scholars to various countries to collect scientific and technical information on astronomy and successfully he built five observatories and Varansi Jantar Mantar is one among them. Many sophisticated equipments were installed in the observatories, and tried to generate interest in astronomical science, and even today these instruments are astonishingly functioning.
Observatories were constructed for various astronomical calculations such as time, inclination angle of constellations, eclipses, distance of constellations, altitude above sea level, etc. Some major instruments are installed in this observatory are Digansha Yantra was used to measure the lateral angles of stars, Samrat and Laghu Samrat Yantra were used to measure the timely angles of the stars, Chakra Yantra was used to calculate the real inclination of the Sun, Moon and of other stars, Narivalay Dakshin and Uttar Gola to find out the locations of Stars etc are the main equipments and major attraction in this observatory. All the observations were recorded timely in this observatory.
It remains open for the visitors throughout the year since Morning to Evening except in any odd situation like maintenance etc.
Entry fee is quite affordable and it’s easily accessible. Evening Ganga Aarti is a major event held on the Dashashwamedha Ghat and a major attraction among the tourists.
